First pampering day for women stresses beauty, relaxation

Three beauty consultants from Mary Kay Cosmetics, two students and two instructors from Paul Mitchell School, four massage therapists, two massage chairs, several volunteer students and smoothies made the first college’s Pamper Our Women Day possible March 23 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center.

The event offered as part of this college’s observation of Women’s History Month had six stations where women could enjoy themselves.

Carrie Hernandez, senior specialist of student success, said she was trying to encourage women to come but the room was not overly packed with participants.

Cosmetology students from Paul Mitchell School styled women’s hair with various sizes of straighteners to curl or straighten.

“We are making whatever style they want to make them feel beautiful,” cosmetology student Jennifer Perez said.

That station also had three plastic boxes of makeup they applied to participants.

Mary Kay consultant Diana Massiatte encouraged women to try lip glosses on display and gave lip treatments. The treatment consisted of a cream to exfoliate the lips and another cream to moisturize.

At the end of the treatment, women could kiss and print their lips on a card to see what type of personality they have according to their lip shape.

“I expect to give all ladies a break from classes,” Massiatte said.

Four independent licensed massage therapists were at the chair massage station.

Ed Thomas said he was giving 5-10 minute massages on the neck, back, arms and hands.

Thomas said a chair massage is a good experience though not as thorough as a table massage in which clients disrobe and lie flat on a cushioned surface.

Thomas said massage therapists need to be certificated by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, indicating a massage therapist has acquired a particular professional credential.

Although the event is named Pamper Our Women Day, psychology sophomore Emilio Aguilar took advantage of the chair massages.

Aguilar said he came because his friends were attending the event.

“I feel relaxed because I went to the gym and was sore,” he said.

Aguilar said he did not know the event was targeted for women but suggested the college should do one for men.

Women were also encourage try a smoothie after completing a survey of the event. Student volunteers were making smoothies of banana, peaches, strawberry, pineapple and kale.

Mary Dayton adviser-student success, said fruit and vegetable smoothies were a good way for students to eat vegetables.